Purley Baker, Anti-Saloon League

The small stone mausoleum sits in the shade between two large evergreen trees. Maybe it is the size of the tomb or the tall trees or the brown stones, but it feels as though Hansel and Gretel could come skipping out from behind the structure.

The mausoleum is the gravesite of Purley Albert Baker (b. 1858, d. 1924) and Lillie Greene Baker (b. 1857, d. 1929), his wife.

Purley Albert Baker
April 10, 1858
March 30, 1924
General Superintendent
Of The Anti-Saloon League
Of Americal
1903—1924

Lillie Greene Baker
December 8, 1857
June 9, 1929

The epitaph is perfect for a man who earned a reputation as an “enemy of the saloon.”

“He that soweth righteousness
hath a sure reward.”
                          Proverbs 11:18.

Interested in learning more about the Anti-Saloon League of America? Try these pages:
– Ohio History Central
– Westerville Public Library

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When I walked up to this tomb, I noticed a sudden, strong scent of lilacs. Not unusual at this time of year perhaps. But what is unusual is that even though I searched for it—and I pride myself on my cemetery searching skills—I could not find the origin of the scent.

You guessed it: This cemetery is rumored to be haunted.

Otterbein Cemetery, Franklin County, Ohio